Antonio Louvet Period 2

The Roman emperors relied on their control of massive armed forces, paid for out of the emperor's purse and bound to him by an oath of allegiance. The majority of soldiers were stationed in imperial provinces, commanded by appointees of the emperor. The Roman imperial army was pretty much a private army.

The Roman army was the changing force that lead to the conquering of most of the known world in classical times. It was a well-oiled machine: efficient, exacting, and victorious.